PawSox trademark three Worcester team names

Image/Courtesy A rendering of the planned Polar Park, which is slated to be home to Boston Red Sox' top affiliate in 2021.

Photo | Courtesy This Polar Park logo was trademarked by Polar Beverages

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By Zachary Comeau

No official decision has been made on the new identity of the Pawtucket Red Sox, but the team has trademarked three names: Worcesters, Ruby Legs and Wicked Worms.

Trademarks for those three names for clothing branding and “entertainment services in the nature of baseball games and exhibitions” were filed with the U.S. Parent and Trademark Office by the team in February.

At least two of the possible names, Worcesters and Ruby Legs, refer to late 1800s baseball teams from Worcester.

For now, the Worcester team is known as the Worcester Red Sox, or the WooSox, but the team has not committed to keeping the Red Sox brand of their major league affiliate Boston Red Sox. It doesn't appear that the team has trademarked the Worcester Red Sox.

Last year, a Minor League Baseball lawyer filed trademarks for WooSox, but the team does not own that branding.

No Worcester team name has been recorded with the state Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.

Dan Rea, the team’s executive vice president of real estate development and business affairs, said the team is still considering different options for the team nickname after soliciting suggestions from baseball fans in Central Massachusetts.

“We have made no final determinations of any kind, but have been looking at different options that have resonated to some degree in fan plan sessions, meetings with various members of the community, and informal conversations,” he said.

Rea also commented on the fluidity of brands and identities in the minors. In Pawtucket, the official name is the Pawtucket Red Sox, but most refer to the team as the PawSox.

The team also changes its name on certain game days as part of initiatives or promotions.

“In short, we continue to discuss various options, and in the near future we’ll have more information for fans about the public discussion and input process we will continue to have,” Rea said.

Also trademarked is Polar Park after Worcester-based beverage company Polar Beverages filed trademarks in February and April.

In one trademarked image, the polar bear logo of Polar Beverages bisects the words Polar Park.